Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a heartfelt tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary this Wednesday. He emphasized that Vajpayee's ideals and values earned him respect not just in India, but across the entire world.
A Multifaceted Legacy: Poet, Writer, and Statesman
Adityanath reflected on Vajpayee's diverse roles as a poet, writer, and journalist. He stated that the late leader's political career, which spanned an impressive six decades, elevated Indian political values to unprecedented heights. The CM shared that he was personally fortunate to have received Vajpayee's guidance, describing him as a far-sighted politician whose struggles and determination were vividly reflected in his poetry.
"His poems serve as an inspiration for anyone facing challenges or troubles in life," Adityanath remarked. He also praised Vajpayee as a leader of firm resolve, who realized the dream of Antyodaya (upliftment of the last person) through welfare schemes for the poor, thus fulfilling Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay's vision.
Concrete Tributes: The Rashtra Prerna Sthal
The Chief Minister announced a significant development to honor Vajpayee's memory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on Thursday, marking Vajpayee's 100th birth anniversary celebrations. This memorial site features 65-feet tall statues of three stalwarts: Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Deen Dayal Upadhyay, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
A digital museum has been established at the site to offer visitors deep insights into their ideals and visions for the nation. The Prerna Sthal is equipped with an open-air theatre that can seat 3,000 people, while its grounds have a massive capacity to accommodate an additional 2 lakh attendees.
Adityanath highlighted that this new venue would enable the organization of large-scale public events in the state capital, filling a crucial infrastructural gap.
An Enduring Inspiration for the Nation
Calling Vajpayee the 'Ajatshatru' (one without enemies) of Indian politics, Yogi Adityanath affirmed that the state government is committed to taking forward his dreams. He reiterated that Vajpayee worked tirelessly for key areas like rural development, urban connectivity, and public transport improvement.
In his concluding remarks, the CM quoted a poignant line from Vajpayee's poetry: "Mere Prabhu mujhe itni oonchai kabhi mat dena, gairon ko gale laga na sakoon, itni rukhai kabhi mat dena" (O Lord, never give me such height that I cannot embrace others, nor such lowliness). Adityanath stated that this sentiment should inspire every Indian and that the Rashtra Prerna Sthal stands as the government's heartfelt tribute to the beloved leader.
